I Figured it was Time to Come Back

I think my last post was at the end of April, and here we are at the end of June. My apologies for dropping off the face of the Earth, but alas! I'm back. Life has been crazy these past two months, and I'm just now finding time to debrief about it all. In only two shorts months I have been able to squeeze in my brother's college graduation, a trip to Africa, a bachelorette party for one of my best friends, two weddings, a summer class, and a nannying job. No wonder summer seems to be flying by! I won't bog you down with tons of stories and pictures in this first post back, but my hope is to eventually get some of them up here. That is the point of a blog anyway, isn't it?!

This summer I have been feeling very fashionably creative. I've discovered a new-found love for my closet full of clothes, and an itch to create cheap new looks with a few fabulous finds. Unfortunately I haven't been documenting them like I wish I had been, but I documented last nights outfit and promised myself to make a better habit of it.

Last night's outfit (and hairdo) kind of had a 90s vibe going on, and it was totally unplanned. I had church, so I knew I didn't want to wear shorts, but it was still warm. I settled for my mint pencil pants and a fitted white tee. The pants are high-wasted, but I normally can't pull of the tucked-in shirt look... and that my friends is how I ended up with the side knot. This outfit isn't anything fancy, or super cute, but a good way to add a little bit of personality to an otherwise blah outfit.

very curly hair today thanks to sporting my side part on the opposite side!

..and here's the knot. The pants are usually higher up, but by night they were a little stretched out from the day.

I paired the outfit with cute multi-colored huarache sandals circa Target 2009. I was proud of this little number.

I'm off to goodwill soon to find the perfect pair of heinous mom jeans so I can transform them into a rad pair of cut-offs.


-Katie

Amy Rose

I adore you; you crazy, gorgeous, wonderful (but also sometimes quite weird - but still very lovely) person best friend. 

I couldn't ask God for much more of a sweeter, more genuine friend then the one He's already given me.
You complete me (not in a "I want to marry you" way of course) and contrast me.
You know when to not talk to me, and when to talk my head off. You know that I love details, so you tell them to me all the time, and you don't get tired of me asking you a trillion and two questions to figure out every little aspect of your story. I love that you ask me for advice on clothes and boys and life. I love that you feel comfortable to vent to me and cry in front of me. I love that you want to try new adventures with me. I love that the Bagel Deli reminds you of me (and vice-versa).
I have enjoyed watching God grow in you and watch Him unfold His plans for you. You are a talented, strong, young woman. You are faithful and courageous. I can see God working in you, and I know that He has a beautiful plan for you, whether or not you know it yet. You are His daughter. He created you so uniquely, with that beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes, and the free spirit and contagious laugh.

My dear Amy Rose-

We are kindred spirits. I want our future husbands to be best friends, and our kids. I never want to live my life without you in it. Even if that means through snail mail and phone calls.

I love you forever and always, best friend.

-Katie

Parking For This Week

Every Monday I can expect an email to be sitting in my inbox from Patrick Cameron. It is always  labeled "Parking  For This Week". I can also rebelliously say that I have never read one of these emails, but I assume it's what the title says... parking for this week.

Patrick Cameron is the running joke of Lipscomb. Not in a bad way though. He graduated from Lipscomb and started working for Campus Safety right after - 27 years later and he's still here! Everyone knows the name, but only few can put a face to it.

Today, however, a majority of campus got to see THE Patrick Cameron. Thanks to campus ministry, as a student body we celebrated his birthday. Balloons, cake, Capri Sun, mustaches, an all. It was a successful last day of classes for my Junior year.

Molly, me, Patrick Cameron, Lindsay, Landry, Tyler & Jesse

Now that classes are over I can start focusing on finals, Africa (!!!), and the rest of my summer. That is, after I get through my day full of meetings tomorrow. Vaccine shots, resume building, and summer class scheduling are all on the agenda for tomorrow. Maybe I'll find some time to go check out  the new flower shop down the road and get my free flower of the week.

Also, I just got back from a spontaneous late-night game of kickball with the lovely people from the group picture, plus a few more. Here's to many more nights of this. I love college nights like these.

-Katie

So My Night Went Like This...

Beth and I had plans to go to Ugly Mugs in East Nashville. Yesterday was World Book Night (which is an awesome concept!). The idea is to pass out free books at different locations all over the States and in Europe. There was a list of 30 books that were going to be passed out, including The Kite Runner, Lovely Bones, Hunger Games, and The Glass Window. Who doesn't love coffee shops, free books, and quality time with sweet friends? So we got in my Jeep and made the trek over to East Nashville.

Me outside of Ugly Mugs

When we got to Ugly Mugs we peered through the windows and were a little suspicious of the quietness. We went in anyway... and nothing, NOTHING, was going on. Come to find out, they were passing out books at 6:30pm. We were about 3 hours late. Beth and I decided to stay. I ordered a Bingster. It's two shots of espresso, sweetened condensed milk, and steamed milk with foam. It was delicious.

When we found out there were no books left

Despite missing World Book Night, we still enjoyed the adventure, and it was Beth's first time in East Nashville! I couldn't believe it. Also, I was having a good hair day... first time in forever. Take a look for yourself.

-Katie

A Caffeine-Addicted, Coffee Connoisseur

I'm nearing the end of my third year here in Nashville, and what a lovely city to call my home. I quickly fell in love with this place when I moved down to start college, and I haven't wanted to leave since.

One thing I've noticed about this city is its abundance of coffee shops. They have been blooming up everywhere! I've been to some great local ones - ones that make you feel like you're in a movie on a rainy day (even if it's actually sunny outside), and I've also been to a few wanna-be's that make you question how they survived this tsunami of an economy.

Here's a list of my favorites and a few I want to try out as well...
(most of these places don't have their own websites hint hint to all those graphic design majors!)

1. JJ's Market and Cafe

JJ's Market is the best. I might say that about all of the coffee shops, but seriously if you haven't been to JJ's you're really missing out. A little over five years ago JJ's Market and Cafe was just a market. The son of the owners asked if he could transform the storage area into a cozy coffee shop to cater to the nearby college students, and the rest is history! The atmosphere is delectable (and so is the food and coffee)! The cafe is composed of worn-in chairs and old rugs on the floor and walls. This is my favorite place to take pictures.

2. Portland Brew

Located in the heart of the the 12th South neighborhood, Portland Brew is quickly becoming one of my favorites. My favorite drink: Rainforest Mocha. It's the perfect blend of espresso, chocolate, banana, and other yummy flavors. They boast that they are "a taste of the northwest". After going there for my first time, I texted my one and only northwestern friend, Joe, to tell him. This is one of his favorite places because it reminds him so much of home (Washington). So I guess Portland Brew has every right to tagline themselves. The shop has a slick industrial feel, with sleek metal and wood furniture. This is definitely a go-to if you're ever in the area.

3. Fido's

Fido's was my first coffee shop visit when I moved to Nashville. It's located in Hillsboro Village, which isn't too far from campus. I recommend the Dalmatian drink. It's a delicious blend of chocolates to make the best hot chocolate you'll ever have. Fido's is one of the more well known coffee shops so it can be over-hyped at times, but it's still worth a visit.

4. Bongo Java

I've only been here once, when I was early to a concert at Belmont. As you can tell from the picture, it's in a cute little house which makes for a cozy, home-like feel inside. I can't remember what drink I got. It was a mocha something-or-other, but I do remember that it was super delicious (and that is big fro me, because I didn't even like coffee back then). Bongo Java roasts their own beans and provides beans for numerous shops here in town, including Fido's.

5. The Well

un-claimed wood for furnishing the inside

almost done being built!

The Well is brand-spankin' new. So new that it isn't even open yet (opening in May!). It is located on Richard Jones Road, nestled behind the creepy Green Hills gas station and next to the fire station. The building used to be a Burger King, but it was closed down way before my Nashville time. One of the co-owners of The Well is Rob Touchstone, a Youth Minister at a local church and a Bible professor at Lipscomb. I'm really excited to try this guy out because it seems so different from the others. After browsing their site and Facebook page, I've learned that the shop will have a prayer wall where you can leave a request or take one to pray over. They also said that they encourage and hope that open discussions of theology will happen in the shop. Is that neat, or is that neat? I see some positive change in Nashville happening soon!

6. CREMA

This isn't my picture, but it's hilarious.
Check out the giant mustache in the back.

"A Coffee Brewtique" located in Rutledge Hill on Hermitage Ave. This is the most Nashvilliest (yes I just made up my own word) place you can get. I've been following CREMA on twitter for months now, and I still haven't gone to check them out. They roast their own beans, sell them, and judging by their menu, make some scrumptious beverages. This place just made it's way to the top of my 'must-try's this summer.

7. Barista Parlor

My brother just told me about this place - located on Gallatin Avenue over in East Nashville. I don't know much about it, but I do know it is opening on May 4th. An article in the NashvillePost said, "He promised an artisan cofeehouse with some of the best gear in the world, including a custom-made, handcrafted Slayer Espresso machine out of Seattle, the first in our region." So I guess we can only expect the best. I can't wait to see it for myself (probably with my brother) this summer!

Tonight I'm going to Ugly Mugs in East Nashville with Beth for World Book Night. It'll be an adventure for another post, I'm sure.

Have you been to any wonderful coffee shops in the Nashville area  that I haven't mentioned? Please share!

Thanks for reading my very first post!
-Katie